Topic: meaning, definitions and examples

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topic

[ˈtɒpɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

general

A subject of conversation or discussion

Synonyms

issue, subject, theme.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
topic	Best used when discussing a general area of discussion or a specific subject of conversation or study. The topic of today's lecture is climate change Can we shift the topic to something more interesting?
subject	Appropriate when referring to an area of study, a theme in an academic or formal context, or the focus of discussion. She is passionate about the subject of physics The subject of our meeting is project timelines
theme	Suitable for discussing the underlying topic or significant idea in a piece of writing, discussion, or event. The main theme of the novel is the struggle for independence The theme of the party is 'Roaring Twenties'
issue	Use when talking about a problem, concern, or something that requires resolution. Often has a negative connotation. We need to address the issue of workplace harassment There are several issues with the new software update

Examples of usage

The topic of today's meeting is the budget for next year.
Let's change the topic, this one is too controversial.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

writing

The subject of a paragraph, essay, speech, etc.

Synonyms

focus, subject, theme.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
topic	Used when referring to a specific subject being discussed or studied. Today's topic in the meeting is project management. She chose climate change as her topic for the essay.
subject	Used when discussing the area of study or discipline in education, or the main content of what is being said or written. Mathematics is my favorite subject at school. The subject of the email was unclear.
theme	Used when referring to the central idea or underlying message in artistic works such as literature, movies, and music. The theme of the novel is love and betrayal. Each year, the event has a different theme.
focus	Used when emphasizing the main point or the most important part of something. The focus of this presentation is on market trends. His primary focus was on improving customer service.

Examples of usage

The author explored various topics in his book.
The topic sentence introduces the main idea of the paragraph.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

linguistics

The word or phrase that the rest of the sentence is about

Synonyms

focus, subject, theme.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
topic	Used to refer to the main idea or matter being discussed. It is a general term and can be applied in everyday conversations, academic settings, or any situation where a subject matter is under discussion. We can discuss that topic in our next meeting What's the topic for today's lecture?
subject	Generally used to describe the matter being discussed or studied, often in an academic context. It can also be formal and used in official or serious discussions. The subject of the email was a new project proposal He's interested in the subject of history
focus	Used to refer to the central point of attention or interest. It implies giving special attention or concentration to this point. Often used in contexts where concentration or emphasis is required, such as academic or professional settings. Our focus today is on improving customer service Please focus on the instructions carefully
theme	Usually refers to the underlying idea or message in a piece of writing, a talk, or creative work. It's often used in contexts related to literature, art, or discussions about broader concepts or motifs. The main theme of the novel is love and betrayal This year’s conference theme is sustainability

Examples of usage

In the sentence 'The dog barked loudly,' 'the dog' is the topic.
Topic and comment structure is common in Japanese sentences.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'topic' comes from the Greek word 'topos', which means 'place'. It has evolved to mean the 'place' or subject of a discussion.
In Latin, 'topica' referred to topics or themes related to discourse, linking ancient conversations to today’s discussions.

Education

In classrooms, choosing a topic is crucial as it can dictate the direction of research and discussions.
Teachers often assign topics to help students focus their study, ensuring they cover essential ideas.

Pop Culture

In talk shows and podcasts, 'hot topics' often refer to current events or trending subjects that capture attention.
Social media platforms frequently feature trending topics, which can influence public conversations and awareness.

Psychology

Discussing a topic in a group can help individuals process their thoughts and feelings, promoting understanding and empathy.
Research suggests that focusing on specific topics during therapy can lead to more effective communication and healing.

Technology

In the digital age, 'topic modeling' is a technique used in Artificial Intelligence to identify patterns in large collections of text.
Many online forums categorize discussions by topic, allowing users to find relevant content quickly.

Translations

Translations of the word "topic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tópico

🇮🇳 विषय

🇩🇪 Thema

🇮🇩 topik

🇺🇦 тема

🇵🇱 temat

🇯🇵 トピック

🇫🇷 sujet

🇪🇸 tema

🇹🇷 konu

🇰🇷 주제

🇸🇦 موضوع

🇨🇿 téma

🇸🇰 téma

🇨🇳 主题

🇸🇮 tema

🇮🇸 efni

🇰🇿 тақырып

🇬🇪 თემა

🇦🇿 mövzu

🇲🇽 tema

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,291, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3288 profile
3289 females
3290 painted
3291 topic
3292 deny
3293 crown
3294 urged
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